In short: hot and quickIn full: At the begining the roads are too narrow with runners taking to running off course adn parallel as they cannot fit on the route, I was very surpirsed that the aid stations consisted of only water, no energy drink and no gels till mile 16 followed by two more right at the end. This isnt good enough considering the high entrycost for this marathon, what did you spend our money on? with such a hot day they should ahve had a few more aid stations with water, there was no aid point where I was expecting there to be one (off road section) but thankfull local people came to our rescue and provided one, in fact this is the only marathon where I have had to rely on the support of locals for water and sugary food for energy, again with the high price this isnt good enough. I even heard an announcment that they were runing out of water for the slower runners from a marshalls radio :-(. The route only started in Edinburgh so really it is the East lothian marathon, it was quite pretty in the nice water although became boring and samey, it would have been very dull in the wet. The finish area was the best Iv been to, I can only give praise for it. However the long walk to the runners buses back to edinburgh was extremely hard and painful. I was surprised at the distance we had to wlak considering we have just done a marathon, not great for those with badly blistered feet or those that picked up any injuries. The hub was a huge disapointment, this is the only marathon iv been to without an expo, seeing as this was called a 'marathon festival' I was expecting a huge expo with stalls, physio and massage availible. Overall I was a little disapointed, if they dropped the price then it would be fair, but you can enter much better marathons including the london marathon for far less money. I would not do it again unless I happened to be local.Date of review: June 11, 2012

In short: Enjoyable day out!!In full: Enjoyed the first 20 miles but then it got too hot and the lack of support mile 16 to 22 made it hard work as a long out and back where you could see for miles how far you had to go seemed hard work. Extra water stops put on and good support from locals with the hose pipes and jelly babies out, many thanks to them.Date of review: June 7, 2012

In short: A great venue for your first marathon.In full: A great venue for your first marathon. My only criticism is the section just after the turn, where we had to run on a loose-surfaced track, which was energy-sapping. This section ought to be replaced by a tarmac section.Date of review: June 5, 2012

In short: Fast run, poor roads, no atmosphereIn full: This was my first Edinburgh half-marathon and, fairly or not, I'm comparing it to my experience just a few weeks ago at the Reading half. The Edinburgh start was scenic - Arthur's Seat, Holyrood etc - , but just a few km out, it was nothing but potholes, avoiding parked cars and running on far too narrow streets. Compared to Reading, the atmosphere was quite subdued.

The finish at Musselburgh was cramped and the journey back into town was an unwelcome end to the race.

On the positive side, the weather was great - if a little too hot towards the end - and I managed a PB. So it wasn't all bad. If only it started and ended in Edinburgh, it wouldn't have been such a logistical nightmare. Date of review: June 3, 2012

In short: above average raceIn full: this was a very hot day, it took me more than 90 mins more than usual to complete this marathon but it is a fast course - just not for me on the day. the only points i would make is that i like to park at the finish on a point to point race then travel to the start however with the roads closing at 8.00 for the half marathon it ment a very early start for me. the half being moved to the sat would be very benificial. its also a very long walk back to the car from the finish line. all in all - would i do it again : yes. but i would take another marathon if it was closer to home. it wasn't anything special im affraidDate of review: June 1, 2012